The Pit Awaits: Lobos and Aggies Set for Rio Grande Rivalry Showdown
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico men’s basketball team will host New Mexico State on Saturday night in this year’s Rio Grande Rivalry matchup, continuing their four-game homestand
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at The Pit, and coverage will be available on the Mountain West Network and the Lobo Radio Network.
New Mexico (7-2, 1-0 MW) enters Saturday’s game after an impressive 83-77 victory over San Jose State on Wednesday night at The Pit.
The Lobos overcame a 13-point deficit, marking their largest comeback in five years. Donovan Dent led the charge with 20 points and five assists, securing his fourth 20-point, five-assist performance of the season—a national best.
Dent’s consistent play this season—his fourth game with at least 20 points and five assists, a national high—has been a driving force for a Lobos offense ranked 30th nationally, averaging 84.6 points per game.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Saturday’s game also highlights We Are New Mexico Night, a celebration of local culture with pregame festivities including lowrider displays and the Cherry On Top hot air balloon outside The Pit.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 3,000 fans will receive rally towels to energize the atmosphere. With fewer than 500 tickets remaining, a sellout is expected.
The Aggies (3-5), meanwhile, face the task, carrying a five-game losing streak into the rivalry.
Their most recent setback, a 78-70 loss to Abilene Christian, underscored their struggles from the free-throw line, where they converted just 34%.
However, the Aggies boast rebounding prowess, ranking 12th nationally with 42.8 boards per game, led by Robert Carpenter, who averages 12.6 points and 7.4 rebounds.
Alongside Christian Cook, Zawdie Jackson, and Peter Filipovity, Carpenter anchors a team eager to reverse its fortunes against its in-state rival.
The all-time series favors the Lobos, 125-103, including a commanding 39-18 edge at The Pit.
Last season, New Mexico dominated their Albuquerque meeting 106-62 before eking out a nail-biting 73-72 win in Las Cruces.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
This year’s lone meeting sets the stage for more fireworks as both teams look to make their mark.
For the Lobos, head coach Richard Pitino goes with a rotation featuring key contributors like Nelly Junior Joseph, Mustapha Amzil, and Tru Washington.
Despite struggles at the free-throw line—ranking 297th nationally—the Lobos’ efficient shooting from the field (45.9%) and beyond the arc (35.6%) provides a potent offensive punch.
Following Saturday’s contest, New Mexico will continue its homestand on Dec. 14 against Western New Mexico.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
The 5 p.m. tip-off for that game, a battle of in-state rivals, promises to extend the excitement for Lobo fans. Tickets for both games are available at GoLobos.com/tickets.
As the Lobos aim to keep their momentum alive and the Aggies strive to turn their season around, one thing is sure: the Rio Grande Rivalry never disappoints. Saturday night at The Pit will be no exception.
This game has always been an exciting game for fans of Lobo Nation and Aggie Nation because of the rivalry over the years.
